Left Together (17 page)

“Sam,”
a voice calls from the doorway. Everyone turns toward the sound. A man wearing
the same blue scrubs I’ve seen on everyone else in this place is standing
there.

“That’s
Walter Harris. He’s a friend of Kacie’s dad. They went to medical school
together or something,” Jade whispers. “They’ve been running the surgical department
together for years.” Every person in the entire room gives him their undivided
attention.

“Walt.”
Sam Foster stands and crosses over to shake his hand. “How’d it go?”

“The
surgery to repair Kacie’s arm went smoothly. Noah did an outstanding job, as
usual.”

“Glad
that’s over with,” Kacie’s mom blurts out. “Now, can we go try to catch our
flight?” The woman is worried about getting on a plane when her daughter just
came out of surgery? She’s unbelievable.

“Well,
there were some complications.”

“What
happened?” Dr. Foster looks concerned, which scares the shit out of me.

“We
think she had some kind of delayed allergic reaction to one of the medications
she was given. They were ready to wake her up when her heart rate suddenly dropped
and she was having a hard time breathing. Extubation had already taken place.
When they went to intubate again, her throat had closed up pretty tight. It
took a little longer to get the tube back in. Noah stepped in and took control
to get her stabilized. He hasn’t left her side since. I’m sure he’ll be out to
talk to you as soon as he can. I’m sorry I couldn’t deliver better news.”

Jade
starts shaking next to me. I can’t even think. What the hell does this mean? Is
she going to be okay? No one from this side of the room is saying or asking
anything. Probably because everyone knows the Fosters won’t allow us to be
acknowledged.

“So
Kacie is hooked up to machines right now?” Mrs. Foster asks, finally getting to
her feet and meeting her husband and the other guy in the middle of the room.

“I’m
afraid so. Due to the fact that it was such a delayed reaction, we have to make
certain whatever she was allergic to leaves her system before we can remove it
again. It was very difficult to get air into her lungs.”

“I
want her removed from them,” she snaps.

“What
the fuck?” I whisper to no one in particular. Did the bitch not just hear that
Kacie needs it to breathe?

“Sophia,
you must not understand what I’m trying to tell you,” the doctor says, looking at
Sam for help.

“Oh, I
understand perfectly, Walter. You and my husband have made me listen to enough
of your ridiculous stories over the years that I know exactly what’s going on.
I want you to take Kacie off of the machines. Now.”

“Why
would she want that?” Aunt Grace grabs onto my uncle’s arm.

Jade
is the one who answers, pulling her phone out of her pocket. “It’s much easier
to take a house from a dead person than one who’s alive and legally owns it.”

Evan

What
the hell am I supposed to do? Will they disconnect Kacie from the very thing helping
her breathe because her mother wants them to? That can’t happen. Noah won’t allow
it. The entire room is silent. Mrs. Foster is glaring at the doctor, who is
glaring at Sam. Sam’s back is to me, but he’s looking at his wife. I sincerely
hope he’s going to rip her fucking face off for even suggesting such a thing.
On this side of the room, I know my aunt and uncle are on my left. I don’t
think my poor aunt can handle this family. Somewhere to my right are Addison
and Kyle. Jake hasn’t moved from his seat. Jade stepped away as soon as Kacie’s
wicked mother started her bullshit.

“Do
you know what you’re asking Walt to do, Sophia?” Sam gets his wife to turn to
him.

“I’m
just looking out for our daughter, Samuel,” she replies. “Kacie wouldn’t want
to be hooked up to some machine. Not only is it against her religion, she once confided
in me about this very thing.” Mrs. Foster is a lying, manipulative bitch. Kacie
would never confide in her, and she’s never once mentioned anything about any
religion.

“It’s
a reaction to medication. She’ll be perfectly fine in less than twenty-four
hours. Stop acting like you know anything about what Kacie would want, and don’t
even try to pull that religious shit with me. You watch too much television.” Mrs.
Foster slaps her husband across the face, causing everyone to gasp…except me.
I’m waiting for him to take her ass out.

“How
dare you!” she snaps. “A mother always knows what’s best for her child.”

“You
don’t know shit,” he tells her. “You never did. Walt, let’s take a walk.”

“Don’t
exclude me from any decision regarding Kacie.”

“Sophia,
Kacie was conscious and very alert while making the decision as to whether or
not to go ahead with the operation,” the doctor explains. “Both Noah and the
anesthesiologist each went over benefits, as well as possible risks and
complications. Kacie didn’t indicate any of these things you’re suggesting
prior to surgery. If that were the case, we would’ve had the proper paperwork
signed.”

“Um,
excuse me. Dr. Harris?” Jade says, coming back into the waiting room. She still
has her phone attached to her ear. “Perhaps I can help.”

“Go
sit down, Jade. Consider yourself lucky I allowed you and your friends to stay
here this long,” Mrs. Foster dismisses her.

“I
wasn’t talking to you,” Jade snaps. She shoots Kacie’s mom a nasty look and
turns back to Dr. Harris. “My name is Jade Quinn. I’m sure you don’t remember
me, but I’m Kacie’s best friend.”

“Jade,
this is your last warning to stay out of my family’s business.”

“Shut
the hell up!” Jade can only take so much shit. “Anyway, Dr. Harris, I also
happen to be employed by the law firm that represents Kacie.”

“That’s
it!” Mrs. Foster interjects herself again. “I’ve had enough. Why the hell would
my daughter need a lawyer?”

“Because
she is unfortunate enough to have you for a mother,” Jade snarls.

“Someone
call security!” she shouts. For a grown woman, she sure can throw a damn good
temper tantrum.

“Sophia,
you need to let the girl speak,” Dr. Harris instructs. She’s not happy at all.
She crosses her arms over her chest, waiting impatiently. “Please, Ms. Quinn.
You were saying?” It looks like he’s desperately hoping Jade can get him out of
this situation he’s stuck in the middle of.

“Right,”
Jade redirects her thoughts. “Dr. and Mrs. Foster may be Kacie’s parents, but
they don’t have the right to speak for her in the event she’s unable to speak
for herself. So, given the particular situation, Mrs. Foster doesn’t get to
make this call. Although I’m not sure it would matter. From what I understand,
Kacie is expected to make a full recovery. There’s no indication of any brain
damage or anything else that would require such drastic measures. Mrs. Spencer
is already on her way with the appropriate paperwork, so you have it on record
for this or any other incident that may arise.”

“Walter,
this is total nonsense. I don’t want that woman to have any contact with my
daughter. If she so much as steps foot anywhere near Kacie, I will have her
transferred to another hospital.”

“Will
you give it a rest, Sophia?” I may never actually like Sam Foster, but I may
not totally hate him, either.

“I’m
sorry,” Dr. Harris says, looking a lot more relaxed. “I’ll never go against a
patient’s wishes, nor will I keep her attorney away from her. For whatever
reason, your daughter didn’t want either of you making decisions on her behalf.
That’s something you can discuss with Mrs. Spencer when she gets here, if you
choose. Just so I know, Ms. Quinn, if there is ever a time I need to consult
with someone about the direction of Kacie’s care, who should I contact?”

Jade
listens to what Mary is telling her on the other end of the phone. “Mrs.
Spencer will gladly provide you with that information when she arrives.”

“Thank
you. When do you expect her, and will she be joining you in here?”

“She
will be here in approximately twenty minutes.”

He
nods. “I’m going to check on Kacie and Noah. I’ll be back within that time
frame.” He turns to walk away, but Sam calls his name.

“Please
make sure Kacie is placed in a private room with twenty-four hour care until
she’s awake.”

“Noah
already took care of it. He even selected the nurses who will care for her,” he
assures his old friend.

After
hanging up with Mary, Jade comes back over to our side of the room. She falls
into Kyle’s outstretched arms as he kisses her head. “You did great, babe,” he
tells her.

She
sighs. “If I wasn’t on Sophia Foster’s shit list before, I definitely am now.”

“Don’t
worry about her.”

I’m
not sure what the fuck is wrong with me, but my legs are ready to give out on
me. Taking a few steps backward, I drop into an empty chair. Addison appears at
my side, laying her hand on my arm.

“I’ve
been around this family for over a year and they still floor me with the shit
they pull. I doubt I’ll ever get used to it.”

“How
can any parent not want to do whatever they possibly could to save their
child?” I ask in disbelief. It makes me think of my own parents and how they
would’ve given their own lives to save Ethan.

Addison
rubs her hand over her stomach. “I don’t know,” she whispers as a tear runs
down her face. “I haven’t even held mine yet and there is no limit to what I
would do for him or her.”

“You’re
pregnant?”

She
smiles. “Just a couple of months. Kacie is the only one who knows. We haven’t
been spreading the news yet.”

“Congratulations,”
I say softly. “That’s awesome.”

“We’re
excited. Well, Noah is worried my parents are going to be pissed because we
aren’t married.” She giggles.

“Will
they be?”

“Are
you kidding? I’m an only child. For the last eight years, they’ve been asking
if I plan on giving them a grandchild before they’re too old to enjoy it. Before
Noah and I started dating, my mom asked if I’d consider a sperm donor!”

That
makes me laugh. “No, she didn’t.”

“She
did. She also wanted to go with me and help pick one out.”

“That’s
hysterical.” I smirk. “As if guys weren’t lining up for you.”

“There
may have been a few, but I was waiting for someone special.”

“I
know exactly what you mean,” I say miserably, thinking how my “someone special”
is lying in a fucking hospital bed.

“Kacie’s
going to be fine,” Addie whispers. “She has one hell of a doctor at her side.”

As
quickly as Addison appeared next to me, she’s gone. I raise my head to see Noah
coming through the door behind the desk. When she gets to him, he removes his
surgical cap and drops his forehead to hers. She has to go up on her toes to
wrap her arms lovingly around his neck, while he rests his hands on either side
of her waist. They privately exchange a few words, but probably not nearly as
many as they would like. Noah kisses his girlfriend and prepares himself for
what’s to come.

“Noah!”
Mrs. Foster calls out on cue.

“Not
now, Mom.” He walks past her.

“I
need to speak with you,” she snaps.

“Trust
me when I say you do
not
want to talk to me anytime soon.” Dr. Harris
must have filled him in on all he has missed while taking care of his sister.

“Do
not take your incompetence out on me!” she commands. Holy shit!

“What
is that supposed to mean?” he demands. “You think this is
my
fault?” He
lets go of Addison’s hand to take a step toward his mother.

“Clearly,”
she says, not backing down. “You’re the doctor in charge of her care.”

“Who’s
the one who encouraged the crazy motherfucker who put Kacie in the hospital in
the first place?”

“We
are in no way responsible for Sean’s actions,” Sam adds.

“Like
hell you aren’t!” Noah is livid. “Kacie told you she didn’t want anything to do
with that scumbag. That alone should have been the end of it, but what do you
do? You let him think he has the power to control her life by threatening her.
He nearly killed her today. YOU ALMOST GOT MY BABY SISTER KILLED AND FOR WHAT?
What was the fucking reason you wanted her with him so badly that this was worth
it. You wanted to talk. Tell me!”

“Noah,”
a calm voice calls from the opposite doorway. Without having met Mary Spencer
before, I probably could have picked her out of a crowd. She walks into the
waiting room like she owns the whole building. It’s not the least bit similar
to the obnoxious way the Fosters act. There’s just something about this woman.
“This is not what Kacie would want. Don’t let them get to you.”

“Mary,”
he acknowledges. “I’m so sorry you had to come here for something like this.”
Noah leaves his parents to greet her. She kisses him on the cheek.

“I was
on my way here to check on our patient anyway. How is she, dear?”

“She’s
stable. We’re keeping a close eye on her. I just came out to sneak our friends
back to see her for a second because they won’t go home until they see her. I
know how this group works.” He smiles. Little does he know, I’m not leaving
until Kacie is able to come home with me.

“I’m
glad to hear. Having them around will help, I’m sure.”

Jade
walks over to hug Mary. “Thank you for coming so quickly.”

“Anything
for my favorite girls. By the way, you did very well before I got here. Are you
sure you don’t want to take me up on my offer to send you to law school? You’d
make one hell of an attorney.”

“I
actually have a job I love and wouldn’t give it up for anything.”

“And
we’re lucky to have you.”

“How
did Kacie know she’d need to have a power of attorney one day?”

“She
shouldn’t have ever felt the need,” Noah says. As shitty as I feel about my
situation with Kacie, watching Noah fight through his emotions is devastating. Despite
being the one to save her life, the poor guy feels like he let his sister down,
and he also has to deal with his parents.

“Sorry
to break up your little party over here, but you need to tell me who the hell
thinks they are responsible for my daughter’s care,” Mrs. Foster opens her big
mouth again.

“It
strikes me funny how, after twenty-two years, you pick
now
to be
interested in
your
daughter, Sophia,” Mary says.

“How I
care for my children is no business of yours.”

“Actually,
Kacie made it my business when she walked into my office on her eighteenth
birthday, asking me to draw up papers to make her grandmother power of attorney
in case something should ever happen. Good thing for her that she was smart
enough to do such a thing.”

“Well,
her grandmother is dead, so I guess that leaves me.”

“No.
Since Marie’s death, power of attorney was transferred over to Noah.”

The
look this woman gives her son is lethal. “You knew all these years and didn’t
think to mention this to me?” she asks.

“Why
would I?”

“I
will have you and everyone in your office disbarred for this,” she threatens
Mary.

“I’d
like to see you try. Now, if you don’t mind… Noah, could you direct me to the
person I need to speak to about making sure Kacie is well-cared-for?”

The
shock that hit me when finding out about the accident must be slightly
subsiding because anger is beginning to surface. If I don’t walk out of here,
I’m going to fucking lose it on Kacie’s mother. Not saying a word, I stand up and
walk out of the room. Halfway down the hallway, there’s a set of chairs against
the wall. I park my ass in the first one and lean forward to rest my head on my
hands.

It’s
almost impossible not to think about the shit I’ve heard today. Experiencing
those people in action was probably a good thing, though. Why Kacie acts the
way she does is completely understandable, considering. I thought I had a grasp
on what she’s had to struggle with, but I wasn’t even close. No wonder running
away from shit instead of facing it works for her. The part I don’t get is why
the hell she comes back. Who would blame her if she didn’t? I’m pretty sure if
she didn’t have Shining Stars, Kacie would currently reside somewhere in
Pennsylvania and we never would’ve met.